Road closures were in place during the time of the marathon

The 26-mile event, which began near Cardiff Castle, had good weather for the start but by 1100 BST entrants were running in torrential rain.

A number of road closures and rolling road closures were in place for the morning.

The event aims to top the more than �300,000 it raised last year for more than 150 charities.

Among those running were Russell Barwise from Canton, who was raising money for Ty Gwyn Special School in the city.

Umbrellas are out for the dash towards the Millennium Stadium

Also taking part was Welsh Ambulance paramedic, Rhodri Thomas, who, after beating cancer, was raising money for the Lymphona Association.

The first PowerHouse Cardiff Marathon in 2002, raised in excess of �200,000 for over 100 charities and good causes.

The event is a partnership between the county council and the children's charity Barnardo's Cymru.

In 2002, the marathon and half marathon raised in more than of �200,000 for more than 100 charities and good causes.